Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 101
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Milestones Christmas Market brings together the best of the season, unique gifts, festive food, live music and family fun, all set within the bustling cobbled streets of Milestones.
Christmas
Winchester
Join thousands of visitors at the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026 on 19 November for an evening of live entertainment, festive family activities and Christmas cheer. Watch the city lights illuminate Winchester's historic centre, enjoy…
Christmas
Southampton
The 2026 Southampton Christmas Market will this year take place from 12th November 2026 until 27th December 2026.
Step into Christmas at Southampton Christmas Market's festive wonderland. Soak up the atmosphere as you browse an array of traditional…
Exhibitions
Chawton
Step into the glittering world of Georgian evenings and discover what made a truly magical night out in Hampshire with the new Chawton House exhibition: Dressing Up: Fashion and Nightlife in Eighteenth-Century Hampshire.
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Christmas
Cowes
The Northwood House Christmas Fair returns on Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November 2026 on Isle of Wight. There is a VIP Preview Night on Friday 27 November.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre.
Arts
Portsmouth
Discover Memory Library, a new artist-led pop-up museum bringing together contemporary art, film, immersive technology and community storytelling to explore how we remember, share stories and connect in an increasingly digital world.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Christmas
Alton
Celebrate the festive season at the Alton Christmas Lights Switch-On and Market on 27 November 2026. Enjoy festive shopping, live entertainment, family funfair rides, free visits with Father Christmas and the magical moment when Alton's Christmas…
Music
Whiteley
Enjoy a fabulous evening of George Michael tribute music, street food supper, followed by dancing to the lively tunes of our resident DJ at The Solent Hotel in Whiteley.
Christmas
London Road, Whitchurch
Head along to a unique setting for a cinema night, at one of the upcoming festive Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
In 2026, Portsmouth celebrates its 100th anniversary of becoming a city with a wide round program of events and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Visit the city, join the events and discover more of Portsmouth's fascinating…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday November 26 – Saturday 28 | Sunday November 29
3:30pm-7:30pm | 11:00am-3:00pm
Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while…
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Christmas
Aldershot
Step into a winter wonderland at Aldershot Christmas Cracker, taking place from noon to 5.30pm on Saturday 14 November. The town centre will be bursting with seasonal cheer, offering a sleigh-full of free family fun - from enchanting festive stalls…
Christmas
Sandown
The Garlic Farm's annual Christmas Market brings together the festive Pop-Up Shop and a weekend of local artisan stalls, seasonal food and Christmas cheer
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Christmas
Sutton Scotney
Celebrate the festive season in timeless style at Norton Park Hotel with an evening inspired by the charm and sophistication of Michael Bublé.
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